Chronic Pancreatitis in the 21st Century: Research Challenges and Opportunities

Event Details

Background

Hereditary and acquired chronic pancreatitis are diseases that are rarely diagnosed early in their course. The delayed diagnosis complicates effective therapy, and both forms of chronic pancreatitis (CP) result in severe disability, lifelong metabolic disease, and a high risk of pancreatic cancer. Although recurrent or persistent pain is a hallmark of both forms of CP, it is difficult to quantify and may be absent despite advanced disease. Recent studies suggest that the most effective treatments for hereditary and acquired CP may differ, but the indications for genetic studies in CP patients and their role in defining therapy remain uncertain.

Meeting Objectives

Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of hereditary and acquired CP provide new insights into the shared and separate mechanisms of these diseases. The role of genetic testing, the evaluation and treatment of pain syndromes, and the possible value of separate treatment algorithms all provide new evidence for improved management of CP. The purpose of the planned workshop is to explore these advances, inform the community of clinician investigators, and identify research gaps that might shape future funding initiatives by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other agencies.

The 1-day workshop will be open to the public and will be held at the University Club on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh immediately prior to the start of the annual PancreasFest meeting on July 27, 2016. The workshop will consist of a number of invited expert speakers and moderators who will explore topics chosen by a multidisciplinary organizing committee. The NIDDK will authorize an external meeting planning group, The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc. (SCG) of Gaithersburg, Maryland, to assist with the meeting logistics. Plans for the workshop—including topics, speaker selection, design of the workshop sessions, discussion of possible poster presentations, and engagement with other stakeholders—will be the responsibility of the organizing committee.